Investigation of Administration of MCT/ω-3 Fatty Acids is Towards Anti-inflammatory Related Fatty Acid Profile in Preterm Neonates.

Administration of an Intravenous Fat Emulsion Enriched With MCT/ω-3 Fatty Acids is Beneficial Towards Anti-inflammatory Related Fatty Acid Profile in Preterm Neonates: a Randomized, Double-blind Clinical Trial.

Intravenous administration of pure soybean oil emulsions high in linoleic acid may lead to inflammation and lipid peroxidation in preterm neonates. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of a medium-chain triglyceride (MCT)/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)-enriched intravenous fat emulsion (IVFE) on plasma fatty acid (FA) profile in preterm neonates. Methods: In this double-blind randomized study, 92 preterm neonates (gestational age <32 weeks, birth weight <1500g) were assigned to receive either MCT/n-3 PUFA-enriched IVFE (Intervention Group) or soybean oil-based IVFE (Control Group). Neonates' parents gave their informed written consent for inclusion in the study. Levels of FAs were measured at baseline (day 0) and day 15 of parenteral nutrition with gas-chromatography mass-spectrometry.

Inclusion Criteria:

Preterm neonates with gestational age <32 weeks

• birth weight <1500 g
• admitted to a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit within 12 hours after birth

Exclusion Criteria:

• anticipated needs for parenteral nutrition (PN) at ˃70% of total daily energy for <10 days evidence of intrauterine infection,
• perinatal asphyxia
• major congenital anomalies
• refusal of parental consent